Courtney Jones pitching next week at Columbia Business School

Next Wednesday will be a big day for Knoxville’s Courtney Jones.

The Founder of MomSource Network is one of eight entrepreneurs invited to pitch to a class of 50 MBA students at the Columbia University Business School in New York City. The course is focused on learning about venture capital and other means of fundraising for start-ups.

“It teaches the process of seed stage investing (with a focus on the) New York City ecosystem, sourcing companies, diligence, valuation, term sheets, and venture math,” according to Angela Lee, the instructor. She is the Founder of 37 Angels, a group of more than 50 women investors.

Jones is currently seeking investment capital for her start-up and connected with Lee in that process. Now, in addition to pursuing funding through 37 Angels, she also has an opportunity to fine-tune her presentation during the event.

“I’m one of eight entrepreneurs that will present and let them (the students) go through diligence with me,” Jones says.

The entrepreneurs will make six-minute pitches during a 60-minute period that begins at 9 a.m. For the next two hours, the entrepreneurs will participate in an intense due diligence session with about six of the students. The student teams will prepare a diligence memo that they will share with the entrepreneurs in early February.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to share about what MomSource Network is doing to improve work-life blend in our country,” Jones says. “I’m sure it will be a learning experience for all involved, especially me.”

MomSource Network was founded in Knoxville, but now has operations in Chattanooga and Nashville. It helps those who need flexible employment, such as former full-time women who are now mothers, connect with employers who can benefit from their skills.

Jones and MomSource Network are launching a software platform in the coming months that will connect progressive employers to candidates in need of flexibility as well as expanding into new cities, so she is seeking capital to scale-up operations.